Editor’s Note: Americans cherish their independence, and the Fourth of July offers an opportunity to reflect on what independence means—not only as a nation, but also in our own lives.
With that spirit in mind, this month’s Aging Matters series explores the themes of independence and mobility. We begin with the first of a two-part series on driving safety. This week’s column was prepared by UCHealth, and next week’s installment will feature insights from Estes Park Police Commander Jeremiah Polucha.
Throughout July, Aging Matters will also examine topics that help older adults maintain their independence, including assistive technology, emergency preparedness, and transportation alternatives. We hope these columns provide practical information and encourage thoughtful conversations about living safely, confidently, and independently at every stage of life.
Most drivers remember the day they earned their license and took their first solo drive. That little document opened a world to explore, friends to see, and money to be made now that getting to work became a possibility.
No one thinks about the day they must give up that license. No one wants to imagine a day without the independence a car and a license provide, but aging brings with it the inevitable realization that it may no longer be safe to drive.
Knowing when that time arrives can be hard. There is no clear answer about when that is because the timing is different for each individual, and time is bringing that decision to older Americans at a record pace.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, all baby boomers will be older than age 65 by 2030. By 2060, nearly 25 percent of Americans will be 65 or older.
Factors leading to a change
Because there is no set age at which a person can no longer drive, each individual must be aware of their abilities and consider the insight of a medical practitioner, family member, or friend.
Potential causes for needing a driving evaluation or conversation may include:
- A stroke, which leads to:
- Physical limitationsCognitive declineImpaired memory
- Impaired reaction time
- An awareness that you no longer feel safe driving or choose not to drive more often
- Reducing the length of drives
- Avoiding unfamiliar or busy routes
- Choosing not to drive at night
- General changes due to aging:
- Declining strengthNeed for more sleepMedication side effectsHearing lossMemory loss
- Changes in vision
“No one wants to experience a bad accident,” said Paul Asher, an occupational therapist with UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center. “Having the conversation before something happens is the hardest part but the safest in the long run.”
According to Asher, the EVMC occupational therapy team has helped patients return to driving after an acute incident, such as a traumatic brain injury or stroke. They also have plans to help patients in the early stages of dementia by employing compensation strategies.
The right time is before something happens
Starting the conversation is the hardest part of determining when to hand over the keys of the vehicle. This conversation may be initiated by a physician, a therapist, a friend, a family member, or even a person’s own intuition.
Often patients approach their physician after noticing a change in their driving habits.
“I have many patients that are self-aware about their declining driving abilities,” Asher said. “Occasionally we receive referrals from physicians to assess a patient’s driving abilities.”
That evaluation can be completed with an occupational therapist.
“When a patient comes to us for a driving assessment, we start with a pre-screening assessment here in Estes Park,” Asher said. “This evaluation takes the onus off of the family and allows them to remain a support system for their loved one.”
Asher described the pre-screening as involving:
- A cognition exam
- A physical, especially in cases of stroke patients
- Visual and perception evaluation
- Strength of upper and lower extremities
Following a positive pre-assessment, patients have a driving evaluation.
“This assessment needs to be done in a vehicle with a certified driving rehab specialist,” Asher said. “For this step, we refer patients to Fitness to Drive in Fort Collins.”
Asher reinforces, however, that not all reductions in driving ability are permanent.
“With occupational therapy, patients can return to driving after head injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and some strokes,” Asher said. “There are also compensation strategies we can teach for early stages of dementia.”
Asher notes that if the State of Colorado tells a person they can no longer drive and they have an accident, the penalties can be stiff. Potential penalties include fines, jail time, and community service.
Occupational therapy is often covered by insurance. The Fitness to Drive service, however, is not covered by insurance.
Driving resources in Estes Park
For those who have been told they can no longer drive, several resources are available in Estes Park.
First, ask friends and family members. This can be a good opportunity to reconnect and build a social network with those who may be going to the same places, such as the grocery store, free concerts, or restaurants.
Second, look into some of the driving services in Estes Park. There are several options at various price ranges:
- Via Mobility Services: A shared ride service available for one-time or ongoing shuttle service.
- Crossroads Assistance Ministry: Volunteer drivers provide rides to and from appointments within the Estes Park area. Volunteers may also be available for rides to doctor appointments.
- Explore Estes: The only service in Estes Park fully licensed to provide private rides to communities as far as Fort Collins and Boulder.
- The Peak: This is the free trolley service in Estes Park that operates from late May through late October.
Other services offer advice and additional resources for staying independent without driving:
- AARP: Offers a plethora of resources, ideas, and articles about living a car-free life.
- Aspen Club: A service of UCHealth, Aspen Club provides health-related programs and services to those 50 and forward in Larimer and Weld counties, including CarFit Assessments with an occupational therapist.
Having an honest conversation with family, friends, and medical professionals can lead to new opportunities for independence while ensuring your safety and that of others.